Community Hero – Prevention Program
Our Cambodia Country Director Lisa Cheong and a few of our Cambodia staff recently met with one of our partners, the Chab Dai Coalition. Since 2006, we have had the privilege of funding a church community and prevention program with them. This year, we have renamed it the “Community Hero – Prevention Program,” after the heroic leaders that are being raised up to create change in their communities. Ratanak is blessed to be in a position where we can not only run our own direct programs, but also have opportunities to fund innovative projects through other organizations that are in line with our vision and mandate.
The Community Hero – Prevention Program focuses on prevention and intervention in the rural areas of Cambodia. It raises awareness and educates people in vulnerable communities about the issues of human trafficking, sexual abuse, illegal migration and child rights. The programs are carried out in villages with the purpose of educating and equipping people with tools to prevent the trafficking of children. It also helps to foster a sense of personal and communal responsibility among community members for the vulnerable.
Ratanak and Chab Dai staff in a meeting
As the discussions progressed, it became increasingly apparent the impact this project is having in vulnerable communities prone to trafficking in Cambodia. This project involves no expats or Western staff. It utilizes 100% indigenous Cambodian workers who teach and minister to their own people. It was encouraging for our staff to learn about the ongoing training conducted among volunteers, who are emerging as Community Heroes. They are using their influence at a grassroots level to protect children and women from human trafficking, sexual abuse and all forms of exploitation. In just one province this past month, the program expected to train 1200 people. In fact, 1380 people showed up! Some of them were even using their own funds to raise awareness about these issues out of a desire to help their own communities. They have expressed to the training staff a love for this vision, and a desire to take responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in their villages. The training also includes ongoing refresher training workshops that happen yearly.
A help card with phone numbers on the reverse to report cases of abuse and exploitation
In addition, the educational tools given to them (such as help cards, flip charts, posters and stickers) are empowering communities to report more cases of human trafficking, sexual abuse, illegal migration and violence. The local authorities at the district, commune or village level, and church leaders are all gaining the resources they need to stop trafficking and intervene in cases of abuse. Initially, when this program was first introduced, it was met with suspicion. However, over the years, an amazing network has been formed as village chiefs, local police, pastors and government officials are all being trained and are working together for the blessing and protection of the most vulnerable in their communities.
Our Ratanak staff felt confident about the financial controls and processes that are in place by our partner to ensure that funds are being used wisely and being stewarded in a responsible way. It is encouraging to see the checks and balances that Chab Dai have established to ensure a high standard of financial responsibility. Such due diligence also serves to benefit us as an organization as we learn from our partners what is working and what isn’t in terms of structures and processes. All of this, we trust, will serve to enhance our own internal structures and long-term strategies.
Activities such as reviewing facts, figures, documentation, procedures, and administrative processes might seem comparatively mundane, but they are an essential part to learning how vulnerable lives are being protected and how local leaders are being empowered to use their position of influence for the benefit of the exploited. It is so encouraging to see how God is raising up community heroes who are taking a stand for truth, righteousness and justice! What a privilege it is to see God building His Kingdom in the hearts of His people here in Cambodia as they take the initiative to be His agents of change in their communities.
Stay tuned for another update as we share about the Ratanak Medical Outreach Program for AIDS patients, other terminally ill people, medical care for prisoners and an infant formula distribution program.
Read the full story on Lisa’s blog here